Shooting cratered steel?

[wIg SpLiTtEr]

So I decided to shoot my 1/2 AR500 plate today with an AR(.223). Shot it once from about 90 yrds, walked up to it and saw it had put small crater in it measuring about 1/32 of an inch. I frequently shoot this same plate with pistols from 7-10 yrds. Do you guys think a crater this size could pose any problems while pistol shooting at close ranges if it hit just right? Probably just being paranoid, just watching out for other that shoot this same target. Thanks!

S2K

 

[cox308]

Re: Shooting cratered steel?

Should be fine as long as everyone is using eye protection.

 

[Captain Kirk]

Re: Shooting cratered steel?

Yea, your just being paranoid. I would discourage you from shooting the 5.56 at close range, I have done the same but with a high velocity small caliber bullet at that range, it will leave a dimple. You can hammer away all day with the pistol and not worry about it, I started using 1/4" AR500 for the close range pistol work, cheaper and lighter.

 

[Jon Lester]

Re: Shooting cratered steel?

Shot some severely cratered 1" mild steel with 9 ball and took a slug to the gut. It hit the buckle in a tac vest and still drew blood through 2 shirts and a hoodie. Yeah it can happen at 15 yards on severely cratered stuff.

 

[KYpatriot]

Re: Shooting cratered steel?

Yeah Jon thats a good reason not to shoot mild steel with handguns or with anything at close range, cratered or not. Had some clean 1 inch mild steel turn a 225gr trophy bonded bear claw right back at us from 100 yards. Not good, wont make that mistake again.

 

[Temp9]

Re: Shooting cratered steel?

Consider flipping the plate over when shooting pistol at close range. That way you have a slightly dented side from shooting rifles, and this side always gets used for shooting (relatively) close range rifle. Then use the other clean, flat side for shooting pistol.

 

[The Mechanic]

Re: Shooting cratered steel?

and make sure it has a little tilt to the ground to it. At least if something is deflected it is more likely to hit the ground first.

 

[Smp2500]

Re: Shooting cratered steel?

Shot some pitted mild steel at 15 yards and took a 9mil jacket to the forearm. Had to use a leatherman to pull the crap out. Like was said, turn it to the ground a little at the least.